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Former Kiwi star slams NZ coaching staff

Former Kiwi utility Tony Kemp has taken aim at New Zealand's Rugby League World Cup coaching staff.

In the devastated aftermath of New Zealand's worst ever World Cup result, Kemp said David Kidwell shouldn't be solely blamed, as the whole structure around him was flawed.

"The support that was put around him (Kidwell), and the process appointing those people was totally wrong," he told 1News.

"It lacked consideration around what was needed to make David successful.

"You've put Brian Smith in there as assistant coach, he's won nothing but a wooden spoon.

"You've put Sean Richardson in there to manage a Kiwi culture - who's an Australian.

"It just wasn't right."

'YOUS GOT YOUR WAY': Shaun Johnson's stunning RLWC claim

Kidwell (left) and (Smith) have both copped plenty of criticism. Pic: Getty
Kidwell (left) and (Smith) have both copped plenty of criticism. Pic: Getty

Watch Kemp's full response in the video at the top of the page.

Question marks have immediately surrounded the coaching future of David Kidwell, who's been heavily criticised before, during and after the failed World Cup campaign.

After a sleepless night, Kidwell said he still has a lot of thinking to do regarding his future with New Zealand.

"I know I've created something here," Kidwell said.

Shaun Johnson was shattered in the aftermath of the Kiwi's loss. Pic: Getty
Shaun Johnson was shattered in the aftermath of the Kiwi's loss. Pic: Getty

"It's about whether I want to continue and if people will let me continue.

"At the end of the day I'll do what's best for the jersey."

Kemp's comments come amidst a torrent of criticism towards the Kiwi rugby league team.

Much of it has been aimed towards Shaun Johnson, who made a stunning claim after his side's Quarter Finals loss to Fiji.

The superstar halfback hit out at his team's critics, both in the media and the fanbase.

In an emotional moment, Johnson said they got their way with New Zealand's worst ever World Cup finish.

While many sections of the media, and even angry fans, constantly berated the Kiwis for a myriad of bad decisions, failed plans and poor performances, Johnson was clearly taking notice.

"Yous (sic) got your way," a shattered Johnson told 1News.